Mike Curtis weighs in on Mavericks’ lineup choices, Anthony Davis’ conditioning and lingering fan reaction to the Doncic trade
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Dallas — Dallas Morning News beat reporter Mike Curtis addressed several early-season talking points surrounding the Dallas Mavericks, from head coach Jason Kidd’s new backcourt experiment to the fan base’s feelings about last season’s blockbuster trade.
Flagg handed the ball while Irving remains out
Asked about Kidd’s decision to open the year with rookie forward Cooper Flagg at point guard, Curtis said the move made sense with Kyrie Irving sidelined indefinitely. Flagg is “not a natural point guard,” Curtis noted, but the 19-year-old can rebound, push the ball and make quick reads. “Let him make mistakes now; it speeds up his development,” he added, pointing out that Dallas can always shift Flagg back to small forward and start D’Angelo Russell if needed.
Davis still working into shape
Talk also centered on Anthony Davis, who reported to training camp heavier than usual after an offseason eye procedure limited his workouts. Curtis said Davis’ current form does not match the dominant performance he delivered in his Mavericks debut on Feb. 8 against Houston but stressed that the team is not alarmed. “Over time, he’ll get better,” Curtis said, calling the weight issue a minor concern at this stage.
Offense remains an open question
Curtis believes it is too early to define the club’s ceiling, but he wonders where consistent scoring and three-point shooting will come from. The rotation features several defense-first players—Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington and Flagg among them—leaving the offensive identity unsettled.
Trade fallout still divides supporters
The fan base continues to process last season’s deal that sent Luka Doncic elsewhere. Curtis estimated that a portion of supporters “may never get over” losing a player many expected to spend two decades in Dallas, but he also sees growing excitement around the new era. Flagg received “a rousing ovation” on opening night, he said, signaling optimism among other fans.
Curtis covers the Mavericks daily and can be found on X at @MikeACurtis2.
Source: Hoops Wire
